29-Nov-2024
Today, I was out for a while, so I only managed to attach the top panel. In Japan, it’s what we call “Black Friday,” and many stores are having sales. This sale, which started in the United States, has become very popular in Japan as well. I even did some shopping on Amazon myself. The prices are low and it’s a great deal!😁
The photo shows the 4-sun 27-step puzzle box I’m currently making. As you can see, the top and bottom panels feature traditional Yosegi designs, while the side panels use the usual checkered Yosegi pattern (ichimastu).
Lately, I’ve often been crafting puzzle boxes using natural wood. However, for boxes like this one, I find it better to use boards with Yosegi-sheets (in any design) attached for the side panels. These Yosegi-sheets serve not only as a design element but also play an important role in preventing the boards from warping.
The movable sides of a puzzle box often have many areas that are not glued, leaving the boards unfixed and free to move. While this allows for smooth movement, it also increases the risk of the boards warping over time. Although this can be mitigated with proper finishing, attaching a Yosegi-sheet provides additional protection against warping. For this reason, I believe this type of construction is preferable.
Today, I’d like to introduce one of the Japanese products I’ve showcased and sold before. This is a kitchen tool called “Tokoroten-tsuki.” Are you familiar with Tokoroten? It’s a traditional Japanese food, mainly enjoyed during the summer. It looks like slightly thick noodles, with a jelly-like texture. It’s often eaten with sauces like vinegar soy sauce, making it a savory rather than sweet dish. You might even call it an unsweetened dessert.Of course, Tokoroten can also be enjoyed with sweet syrup or sugar.
Tokoroten is made from seaweed, which is boiled, cooled, and allowed to solidify. The solidified form is then pushed through the Tokoroten-tsuki to create noodle-like strands. This dish is low in calories, making it a popular choice as a diet food. However, it isn’t very high in nutritional value; it’s more about enjoying the unique texture. That said, it does contain plenty of dietary fiber, as it’s made from seaweed.
While many Tokoroten-tsuki are now made of plastic, the wooden ones like this are the authentic version. Additionally, the type shown in the photo is larger, allowing you to make larger portions. This tool is a popular item among people from various countries who want to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine.
